10 of the Cheapest Front-Wheel Drive Vehicles for 2023
If you're shopping for a new ride, here are some of the best values in front-wheel drive cars and SUVs.
Nissan
Despite typically offering greater interior space, efficiency, and improved traction on slippery surfaces compared to rear-wheel drive setups, some of the least expensive new vehicles are front-wheel drive (FWD). Here are ten of the cheapest FWD models out there, many of which prove that “cheap” doesn’t mean featureless or boring these days.
2023 Nissan Versa S: About $17,000
Nissan's entry-level sedan isn’t flashy, but the Versa is known for its generous front legroom and headroom. There are also standard safety features that either aren't offered or aren't standard in some of its competitors, like rear automatic braking. It’s also one of few new small cars with a standard manual transmission.
Mitsubishi
2023 Mitsubishi Mirage ES: About $18,000
The Mitsubishi Mirage subcompact hatch’s 17.1 cu-ft of cargo space with the rear seats up and 39 mpg make it a good option for those who may otherwise have been drawn to a used small car. This year, forward collision warning is standard across the lineup, joined by an automatic transmission.
Kia
2023 Kia Rio LX: About $18,000
The Rio stakes its claim in the subcompact sedan segment with best-in-class passenger room and an impressive 10-year/100,00-mile warranty. The Kia's 8.0-inch touchscreen is large and comes with standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capability.
Hyundai
2023 Kia Forte LX: About $21,000
The compact Forte offers value at its low price point with a 32-mpg estimate, standard safety features like lane following and keeping assist, driver attention warning, rear occupant alert, and a generous 8.0-inch touchscreen inside. You'll also find best-in-class trunk space.
Hyundai
2023 Hyundai Venue SE: About $21,000
Looking for SUV style and utility on a budget? The Hyundai Venue boasts a higher seating position than a typical sedan, plus a boxy cargo area tall enough to haul bigger items.
Kia
2023 Kia Soul LX: About $21,000
As the third Kia here, the Soul's features are similar to the Forte — the same 147-hp engine, 8.0-inch touchscreen, and standard safety systems. The Soul's boxy shape hurts its fuel economy (30 mpg compared to the Forte's 32), but it also offers adequate passenger and cargo space.
Nissan
2023 Nissan Kicks S: About $22,000
Like the Hyundai Venue, the Nissan Kicks pairs SUV-esque utility with compact sedan pricing. Its boxy cargo area can lug up to 25.3 cu-ft of whatever you want to throw at it, which is about double that of many sedans on this list.
Volkswagen
2023 Volkswagen Jetta S: About $22,000
The venerable Jetta is a mainstay of the compact sedan category. Thankfully, VW packs the base S trim with a litany of features, like VW's App Connect to make the most of smartphone integration, an 8.0-inch digital instrument display, and safety tech, including blind-spot monitoring and six stability-enhancing systems.
Hyundai
2023 Hyundai Elantra SE: About $23,000
Hyundai's play in the compact sedan segment draws the eye with its styling but sells itself with impressive standard equipment. The list includes forward collision avoidance, blind spot, driver attention warning, and lane-keeping/following assist systems. Topping off the Elantra is its 37-mpg estimate.
Toyota
2023 Toyota Corolla LE: About $23,000
The Corolla name is synonymous with value in the compact class. The 2023 model continues to uphold that reputation with standard automatic climate control, a 4.2-inch digital instrument display, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a comprehensive suite of driver assist systems. The Toyota also scores a 35-mpg estimate.
All vehicle pricing includes MSRP plus destination charges (set at the time of publication), and will be rounded to the nearest thousand.
Written by humans.
Edited by humans.
James TateJames Tate has been writing about cars professionally for 15 years and he remains obsessed with them. He enjoys digging into the incredible technology of new vehicles as much as he likes the tactility and the driving experience of yesterday’s cars. He has written for a variety of legacy automotive magazines and websites.
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